SUPPORTING STUDENTS with PSYCHOSIS RETURN to SCHOOL

SUPPORTING STUDENTS with PSYCHOSIS RETURN to SCHOOL

Dispel myths and stigma

·  Likelihood of violence is not greater in a student with psychosis.

·  Keep hurtful words like ‘psycho’ or ‘crazy’ out of the classroom.

Remember that brain diseases cause psychosis

·  Difficulties learning and socializing are often because of illness, rather than poor character, attitude, or parenting.

·  Motivation, thinking, fitting in, confidence, and spontaneity are all affected.

·  Improvement will be gradual, with temporary set-backs.

Allow for difficulties with concentration and thinking

·  Reduce homework demands if possible, especially initially.

·  Provide a quiet room and/or more time for exams.

·  Allow the student enough time to respond to questions or instructions.

·  Use varied instructional techniques and modalities.

Provide breaks

·  Modify schedules, if possible, to allow for 1 or more study blocks.

·  Find a low-stimulation ‘safe place’ where the student can take breaks.

·  Strike a balance between encouraging the student to stay in the classroom and also providing a refuge if he or she is very overwhelmed or anxious.

Consider the effect of medications

·  Most students will take psychiatric medications that are very helpful.

·  Medication side-effects are often troublesome, usually lessening with time.

·  Using gum or hard candy can help with dry mouth side-effects.

·  Drowsiness may not be from late nights or lack of interest, but from side-effects. Suggest the student/family talk to their doctor if extreme drowsiness lasts for more than a few weeks.

Support re-integration

·  Have a designated staff person, such as a counsellor or youth worker, check in with the student; do not expect the student to take the initiative.

·  Anticipate that the student may be embarrassed about psychosis.

·  Remind the student that he or she does not need to discuss the psychosis experience with everyone who asks; help the student with what to say to maintain privacy.

·  Suggest that the student confide in trusted friends, if comfortable.